Fangchengbao Tai 7 revealed as a BYD for export markets
· Citizen
Shown in updated form at the Beijing Motor Show last month, BYD has surprised by the debuting the export market Fangchengbao Tai 7 under its own name instead of the Denza brand.
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Unexpected switch
One of two models making up the Tai or Titanium range of less hardcore SUVs under the Fangchengbao name – the other being the Tai 3 – the Tai 7 also represents the nomenclature’s flagship with either electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains.
More than likely badged as a BYD and not a Denza due to the latter being marketed as a hardcore off-road SUV brand outside China similar Fangchengbao, the Tai 7 will be offered solely as a seven-seater and only as a plug-in hybrid.
Dimensions
Differentiated from the Fangchengbao by having BYD badges, the boxy Defender-aping Tai 7 rides on a unibody platform rather than the ladder-frame that underpins the Fangchengbao Bao 5 and Boa 8 that carry the Denza B5 and B8 nameplates in export markets.
On-sale in China since last year, the Tai 7 has the following dimensions:
- Length: 4 999 mm;
- Wheelbase: 2 920 mm;
- Height: 1 856 mm;
- Width: 1 995 mm
Inside
Again differentiated from the Fangchengbao by the BYD badges inside, the Tai 7’s notable features include a Head-Up Display projected into the entire windscreen side of the driver, a 16-speaker sound system and heated, ventilated and massaging electric front seats.
Taking pride of place inside is a 15.6-inch infotainment display. Picture: BYD UKAlso included a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment display and a cooled glovebox.
No 100% EV
Up front, the plug-in hybrid setup pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with either one or two electric motors.
Reportedly, BYD is still to confirm which of the available two battery Blade battery packs will be offered.
Tai 7 adopts the now familiar Defender 110-inspired boxy design. Picture: paultan.orgWhereas the petrol engine develops 115kW/225Nm on its own, the first battery has a capacity of 26.6-kWh and the second 35.6-kWh.
While no combined power figures are known, the former has a claimed all-electric range of 135 km based on China’s CLTC cycle, while the latter has a distance of 200 km.
In dual-motor form, which only utilises the larger battery, the Tai 7 will do a 190 km on electric propulsion alone.
Door opened for South Africa
Soon to launch in the United Kingdom, thus opening the way for other right-hand drive markets, including South Africa, BYD has not yet approved the Tai 7 for the local market.
While already confirmed, no official launch date for Denza’s arrival has yet been made.